Designation: D 7483 – 08
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Dynamic Viscosity and Derived Kinematic
Viscosity of Liquids by Oscillating Piston Viscometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 7483; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of dynamic
viscosity and derivation of kinematic viscosity of liquids, such
as new and in-service lubricating oils, by means of an
oscillating piston viscometer.
1.2 This test method is applicable to Newtonian and non-
Newtonian liquids; however the precision statement was de-
veloped using Newtonian liquids.
1.3 The range of dynamic viscosity covered by this test
method is from 0.2 mPa·s to 20 000 mPa·s (which is approxi-
mately the kinematic viscosity range of 0.2 mm2/s to 22 000
mm2/s for new oils) in the temperature range between –40 to
190°C; however the precision has been determined only for
new and used oils in the range of 1.434 mPa·s to 154.4 mPa·s
at temperatures of 40 and 100°C (as stated in the precision
section).
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D 445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
ity)
D 2162 Practice for Basic Calibration of Master Viscom-
eters and Viscosity Oil Standards
D 4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
Petroleum Products
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.07 on Flow Properties.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2008. Published February 2009.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
D 4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
Petroleum Products
D 5967 Test Method for Evaluation of Diesel Engine Oils in
T-8 Diesel Engine
D 6792 Practice for Quality System in Petroleum Products
and Lubricants Testing Laboratories
2.2 ISO Standards:3
ISO/EC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
2.3 NIST Standard:4
NIST Technical Note 1297 Guideline for Evaluating and
Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST Measurement Results
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 dynamic viscosity (h), n—the ratio between the ap-
plied shear stress and rate of shear of a liquid.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—It is sometimes called the coefficient of
dynamic viscosity or, simply, viscosity. Thus, dynamic viscos-
ity is a measure of the resistance to flow or to deformation of
a liquid under external shear forces.
3.1.1.2 Discussion—The term dynamic viscosity can also
be used in a different context to denote a frequency-dependant
quantity in which shear stress and shear rate have a sinusoidal
time dependence.
3.1.2 kinematic viscosity (n), n—the ratio of the dynamic
viscosity (h) to the density (r) of a liquid.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—For gravity flow under a given hydro-
static head, the pressure head of a liquid is proportional to its
density, (r). Therefore the kinematic viscosity, (n), is a measure
of the resistance to flow of a liquid under gravity.
3.1.3 rate of shear (shear rate), n— in liquid flow, the
velocity gradient across the liquid.
3.1.4 shear stress, n—the force per unit area in the direction
of the flow.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The SI unit for shear stress is the
pascal (Pa).
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
www.iso.ch.
4
Available from http://physics.nist.gov/ccu/Uncertainty/index.html.
 D 7483 – 08
FIG. 1 Cross Sectional View of Measurement Chamber
3.1.5 density (r), n—mass per unit volume.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 oscillating piston viscometer, n—a device that mea-
sures the travel time of a piston driven electromagnetically into
stationary oscillating motion through a liquid at a controlled
force in order to determine the dynamic viscosity of the liquid.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A specimen of sample is placed in the thermally
controlled measurement chamber where the piston resides. The
piston is driven into oscillatory motion within the measurement
chamber by a controlled magnetic field. Once the sample is at
the test temperature, as determined by the temperature detector,
the piston is propelled repeatedly through the liquid (by the
magnetic field). A shear stress (ranging from 5 Pa to 750 Pa) is
imposed on the liquid under test due to the piston travel. The
dynamic viscosity is determined by measuring the average
travel time of the piston. The kinematic viscosity is derived by
additionally measuring the ratio between the up and down
travel times. This information is then applied to a calibration
curve using liquids of known viscosity to calculate the dynamic
viscosity and kinematic viscosity of the liquid. See Fig. 1.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Many petroleum products, as well as non-petroleum
materials, are used as lubricants for bearings, gears, compres-
sor cylinders, hydraulic equipment, etc. Proper operation of
this equipment depends upon the viscosity of these liquids.
5.2 Oscillating piston viscometers allow viscosity measure-
ment of a broad range of materials including transparent,
translucent and opaque liquids. The measurement principle and
stainless steel construction makes the Oscillating Piston Vis-
cometer resistant to damage and suitable for portable opera-
tions. The measurement itself is automatic and does not require
an operator to time the oscillation of the piston. The electro-
magnetically driven piston mixes the sample while under test.
2
The instrument requires a sample volume of less than 5 mL and
typical solvent volume of less than 10 mL which minimizes
cleanup effort and waste.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Oscillating Piston Viscometer:56
6.1.1 The oscillating piston viscometer (see Fig. 2) com-
prises a measurement chamber and calibrated piston capable of
measuring the dynamic viscosity within the limits of precision
given in Section 16.
6.1.2 Piston—Free moving, magnetically driven body
within a Oscillating Piston Viscometer which is used for
measuring the viscosity of liquids. Individual pistons are sized
to measure specific viscosity ranges by varying the sensor
annulus. See Table 1 for the selection of the piston according
to the viscosity range.
6.1.3 Measurement Chamber—Location within Oscillating
Piston Viscometer where piston motion (through the liquid
under test) occurs due to an imposed electromagnetic field. See
Fig. 1.
6.1.4 Electronics—Capable of controlling the electromag-
netic field to propel and detect the travel time of the piston with
a discrimination of 0.01 s or better and uncertainty within
60.07 %. The travel time is calibrated to be between 0.4 s and
60 s, at a distance of 5 mm.
5
The Oscillating Piston Viscometer is covered by a patent. Interested parties are
invited to submit information regarding the identification of an alternative to this
patented item to the ASTM International headquarters. Your comments will receive
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
you may attend.
6
The sole sources of supply for the apparatus known to the committee at this
time is Cambridge Viscosity Inc., 101 Station Landing, Medford, MA 02155
(www.cambridgeviscosity.com). If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,
which you may attend.
 D 7483 – 08

FIG. 2 Viscometer with Electronics

TABLE 1 Viscosity Ranges of Oscillating Viscometer Pistons

Minimum Viscosity (mPa·s ) Maximum Viscosity (mPa·s ) Piston Designation Nominal Piston Diameter (mm) Recommended Sample Volume (mL)
0.02 2 SP20 7.87 3.2 -5
0.25 5 SP50 7.83 3.2 -5
0.5 10 SP11 7.81 3.2 -5
1 20 SP21 7.76 3.5 -5
2.5 50 SP51 7.68 3.5 -5
5 100 SP12 7.62 3.5 -5
10 200 SP22 7.54 3.5 -5
25 500 SP52 7.34 3.5 -5
50 1000 SP13 7.21 4.0 -5
100 2000 SP23 6.96 4.0 -5
250 5000 SP53 6.27 4.0 –5
500 10000 SP14 6.05 4.0 -5
1000 20000 SP24 5.72 4.0 -5

6.1.5 Temperature Controlled Jacket—Sufficient for main-
taining measurement chamber temperature within 60.06°C.
6.1.6 Temperature Measuring Device—Industrial platinum
resistance thermometer (IPRT) or equivalent sensor with a
maximum permissible error of 60.02°C. It is recommended,
that the temperature measuring device be verified with an
independent, calibrated temperature probe at the test tempera-
ture.
6.2 Temperature Regulation System:
6.2.1 Any liquid bath or thermoelectric means for regulating
the jacket temperature.
6.2.2 The temperature control must be such that the tem-
perature of the measurement chamber is held within 60.06°C
of the desired measurement temperature.
6.3 Sample Introduction Mechanism—A syringe, micropi-
pette, or flow-through adapter for introducing between 3.2 mL
and 5 mL, inclusive by pressure, into the measurement
chamber.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Certified viscosity reference standards shall be certified
by a laboratory that has been shown to meet the requirements
of ISO/EC 17025 by independent assessment. Viscosity stan-
dards shall be traceable to master viscometer procedures
described in Practice D 2162.
7.2 The uncertainty of the certified viscosity reference
standard shall be stated for each certified value (k = 2, 95 %
confidence). See ISO/EC 17025 or NIST TN 1297.
7.2.1 The certified viscosity reference should have a pub-
lished viscosity in accordance with Test Method D 445 or
equivalent means that is close to that of the liquids being tested
at the test temperature. For example, if intended measurements
are to be made from 5-25 mPa·s at 100°C, then a reference oil
viscosity of 15 mPa·s at 100°C would be appropriate.
7.3 Cleaning solvents miscible with the sample and chemi-
cally compatible with the wetted viscometer components (such
as alcohols, toluene, etc.). These wetted components are
typically 316L and 430 Stainless Steel.
7.4 Quality control (QC) liquid similar to 7.1, but with
viscosity values internally certified as noted in 12.2.
8. 8. Sampling, Samples, and Test Units
8.1 Ensure that the sample is homogenous. Engine sampling
is generally specified in the test method, for example Test
Method D 5967. When applicable, refer to Practice D 4057
(manual) or Practice D 4177 (automatic) for proper sampling
techniques.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Place the viscometer on a stable surface.
9.2 Operate the unit according to the procedure in Section
13.
9.3 Verify calibration accuracy by testing a reference stan-
dard or QC liquid at the test temperature. Follow the procedure
in Section 13.

3
 D 7483 – 08
10. Calibration and Standardization
10.1 Calibrate according to manufacturer’s instructions to
obtain a calibration curve (using two test liquids with refer-
enced viscosity values near, but within, the extremes of the
piston range being used).
10.2 Certified Viscosity Standards may be used as confir-
matory checks on the procedure in the laboratory. This proce-
dure is outlined in Section 13. If the dynamic viscosity result,
at the calibration test point, does not agree with the certified
value within the limits of precision in Section 16, each step in
the procedure should be rechecked, as well as the temperature
measuring device and viscometer calibration, to locate the
source of error. If the source is not detected, consult the
manufacturer.
11. Sample Conditioning
11.1 Shake all new and used oil samples using the following
procedure.
11.1.1 Ensure cap is tight on the container.
11.1.2 Shake vigorously by hand for 30 s. Wait 10 s, or
longer if needed, for air bubbles to dissipate.
11.1.3 A specimen of the sample shall be taken by pipette,
pouring or pumping. Suspected nonhomogeneous samples
must be conveyed for analysis promptly following the shaking
and dissipation procedure of step 11.1.2.
12. Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA)
12.1 Confirm proper performance of the instrument and the
test procedure by analyzing reference oil as QC sample.
12.2 If suitable reference oil is not available, prepare a QC
sample by replicate analyses of a batch of oil sample. Then
statistically analyze the data to assign a mean value and
uncertainty limit to the sample.
12.3 When QC/QA protocols are already established in the
testing facility, these may be used to confirm the reliability of
the test result.
12.4 When there is no QC/QA protocol established in the
testing facility, guidance may be obtained from Practice
D 6792.
13. Procedure
13.1 Verify or set the temperature control settings, as tested
with the control standard, so the viscometer temperature reads
the desired set point 60.06°C while the piston is in motion.
13.2 Remove the piston and clean the specimen from the
measurement chamber as described in the viscometer manual.
13.3 Load the measurement chamber with sample using the
volume listed in Table 1 related to the piston size being used
for the viscosity range anticipated. To minimize contamination,
and if sample volume allows, pre-wet the chamber and piston
with the sample material and dry wipe with a lint free cloth.
13.4 Load the measurement chamber with a clean piston.
The piston size should be selected such that the measured
viscosity is between the minimum and maximum viscosity
values listed in Table 1. If the reported result is outside of this
range, the measurement shall be repeated using the appropriate
piston size.
13.5 Start the reporting software in accordance with manu-
facturer’s instructions, which in turn will:
4
13.5.1 Allow the sample to equilibrate in the measurement
chamber for at least 2 min while the piston is oscillating.
13.5.2 Ensure that temperature stability is within the crite-
rion set in 6.2.
13.5.3 Measure the upward and downward piston travel
times for each cycle and compute viscosity until the standard
deviation as percent of mean, over the previous 20 dynamic
viscosity computations, is less than 0.6%.
13.6 Record the average result from the last 20 computa-
tions.
14. Calculation and Interpretation
14.1 The calculation of dynamic viscosity and kinematic
viscosity are computed and displayed automatically by the
apparatus.
15. Report
15.1 Dynamic Viscosity result in mPa·s to three significant
figures, as displayed by the apparatus.
15.2 Kinematic Viscosity result in mm2/s, to three signifi-
cant figures, as displayed by the apparatus.
15.3 Temperature in degrees Celsius, to the second decimal
place, as displayed by the apparatus.
16. Precision and Bias 7
16.1 The precision and bias of this test method as deter-
mined by the statistical examination of test results is as
follows:
16.1.1 Repeatability—The difference between successive
test results, obtained by the same operator with the same
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
material would, in the long run, and in the normal and correct
operation of the test method, exceed the following values only
in one case in twenty:
Percent of Mean
Dynamic viscosity 2.9
Kinematic viscosity 4.2
NOTE 1—This provisional repeatability was obtained from a sample set
of ten used and ten fresh oils measured by seven laboratories at 40 and
100°C. Certified Reference Standards were included among the samples
set.
16.1.2 Reproducibility—The reproducibility of this test
method is being determined and will be available on or before
December 14, 2009.
16.2 Bias—The average results for the standard liquid used
to develop the repeatability statement agreed with the reference
value within statistical error (see Table 2).
17. Keywords
17.1 dynamic viscosity; kinematic viscosity; oscillating pis-
ton; oscillating piston viscometer; viscosity
7
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: D02–1657.
 D 7483 – 08
TABLE 2 Measurement Bias
Viscosity in mP•s
ILS Average Value in mP•s 1.420 3.077 4.693 9.661 15.36 85.19 155.9
Certified Reference Value 1.434 3.098 4.643 9.671 15.12 86.05 154.4
Viscosity in mm2/s
2
ILS Average Value in mm /s 1.856 3.869 5.747 11.71 18.16 18.88 99.76 184.8
Certified Reference Value 1.853 3.901 5.706 11.83 18.00 18.05 100.8 180.0

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